PlayStation.Blog

3D Dot Game Heroes Aren’t Born; They’re Made…in the Editor

Most games ask you to assume the role of a hero. Often, you don’t have any say in who they are or what they look like, and in some cases the customization options you’re given are limited. 3D Dot Game Heroes, while it takes its inspiration and purpose from 8 and 16-bit classics that came out years ago, gives the gamer nearly limitless control over the look (and movement) of their protagonist. The game may be all homage, but it’s certainly not out to limit anyone’s homagination!

*crickets chirp*

Err… Let’s dive into the all-powerful, easy-to-use editor, shall we?

One of the custom characters that comes included on the disc. I’ll call him… Monkey Kong?

Creating a custom character in 3DDGH (my fingers thank me for the abbreviation, so please note it) is more than just figuring out what it will be and look like; you have to animate it, too. Before the self-proclaimed “artistically-challenged” gamers run for the hills, snapping paintbrushes between their thumbs and index fingers, I’ll point out a couple of things. First, the North American release of the game comes with far more custom characters on the disc than the original Japanese release, allowing for even the most character editor averse gamer to experience the thrill of saving the kingdom as a ninja, shark, or heck, even jolly old Saint Nick.

Second, and more importantly, the editor is very easy to use! Copy and paste functions make things super quick, whether you’re copying and pasting one pose (Walk 1) into another animation (Walk 2, for example—above) or designing half of a character and then copying, pasting, and flipping said side to create a complete and awesome custom character.

Four more legs and this thing would creep the heck out of me…

And because the editor is in full 3D, offers a clean, intuitive interface, and doesn’t mess around with things like textures (trust us, when you see your creations lit by the game’s amazing real-time lighting engine, you won’t really care about textures), even the most nervous, inexperienced designer will soon realize they can save the Kingdom of Dotnia with anything they can imagine. A single, floating pixel? Sure. A tank? No problem. A flying jet? Easy. If you can dream it (and yes, if it fits within the size limit—above), you can create it.

Is there anything more satisfying than saving an entire kingdom as a dog?

Yeah, Master Poochi will be ready to save the kingdom… Right after he takes care of that fire hydrant back near the castle.

Or a shark (it comes up when it’s attacking)?

Just imagine that classic music in your head, because we can’t afford the rights to it.

Or some sort of futuristic mechanical… well, whatever the heck it is:

Someone get me a newspap… Oh wait, that’s us?

We think not! And the best part is: You can share your custom creations with the rest of the 3DDGH community online! Just save your character, move it to a USB storage drive, and then upload the file to our character hub site (scheduled to launch at or around the time of the game’s launch) so that others can enjoy your handiwork.

Hey, in the end, you’re hurried into a castle, handed a sword, and asked to save the kingdom. You are a hero, a savior, the chosen one. Everyone’s counting on you. So why not make sure that the “you” you’ve assumed control of for your parody-filled, homage-laden old school retro adventure is your ideal character?

Remember to check out the editor the very first time you startup your copy of 3D Dot Game Heroes, a statement that assumes that you’ve already (or will immediately hereafter) pre-ordered your copy and will be among the first to relive your childhood(s) when the game launches on May 11th. Visit the official website for more details.

While I cannot wait for this game, and am totally getting it day one, but as someone said to me, that I am also worried about, is why Atlus DOES NOT credit From Software on From Software’s games. This causes many to call all of their games Atlus games, and I think it is fair to give credit where it is due. I love you guys for bringing it over, but why leave them out?

– 720p
– No MSAA/FSAA
– Music is from the studio SuperSweep Co., Ltd., meaning a team worked on it, not just an individual. The studio is run by Shinji Hosoe.
– The best I can do re: the audio is direct you to the current back of the Japanese box, as no changes will be made to the audio system for the US/EU (http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps3/image/971481.html?box=138131)

I really love the idea behind 3D Dot Heroes, and have been following updates for quite a while. The only thing i haft to ask is, why don’t you just make the editor through the game start up menu and not by USB? I only ask that because it seems like that would be a negative thing that professional reviewers (ign or kotaku) would make a huge deal out of causing it to drop ratings then it truly is worth. Yea, and I also think what Sindred said about the stand alone thing would be great for hyping people up, it sure worked with Spore. Thanks, good luck

The Editor IS available from the main menu; you don\’t need a USB drive to access it, only to share your creations with others online (since you\’ll likely need a PC to upload to the sharing website we\’re planning to launch).

Can’t wait for this game. I’m glad you guys decided to pick it up, and let us know about it early. Otherwise I would have had to import it. Like other people, I’d like to know about any pre-order bonus or a special edition before I place my pre-order. Thanks.

I can’t wait for this game. You guys rock! Thanks for bring the ps3 some great games. I will keep buying them day 1 as long as you guys keep making them or bringing them over from other devs. This is what made the PS brand a great console last 2 generations, and atlus is at the forefront doing it again. Thank you.